The latest report from the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) Photovoltaic Power Systems Program (PVPS) says the building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) sector faces significant challenges due to a lack of clear testing and certification procedures. It says international consensus and the harmonization of certification processes will be crucial for widespread adoption of the technology.
There is an urgent need to harmonize testing and certification standards for building-integrated solar photovoltaics (BIPV), according to the latest report from the International Energy Agency’s Photovoltaic Power Systems Program (IEA-PVPS).
The program’s Task 15 report, Advancing BIPV standardization: addressing regulatory gaps and performance challengessays such standards should address building-related and electrical engineering requirements and are crucial for reducing costs, simplifying market access and promoting international cooperation.
The report explains that BIPV growth “has not always met expectations” and still occupies only a niche in the solar sector, with the market currently estimated at between 300 MW and 500 MW in Europe and around 2 GW worldwide.
It cites integration issues, a lack of standardization and cost-effectiveness as key reasons for the slower uptake of BIPV, as well as limited education among construction professionals, a shortage of skilled individuals combining PV and construction expertise and competition from traditional solutions.
“This is also related to the fact that there is a clear difference in standardization between the two sectors of buildings and electrical equipment,” the report says. “While traditional PV has an extensive set of standards, BIPV is still committed to standardized testing that covers both PV and construction needs and avoids duplication of similar tests.”
The report explains that BIPV regulation at the international level is still mainly addressed by IEC standards for the electricity part and ISO standards for the construction part. To obtain validation and certification for their products, BIPV manufacturers must conduct testing and follow compliance procedures established by both industries, which can lead to increased costs, delays and market uncertainties.
The report says that a focused and clear standardization framework, taking into account factors such as quality, reliability, performance and safety, is crucial for the future of BIPV, helping to unlock greater market potential and ensuring safety and quality standards.
It adds that global harmonization across the market, through achieving a balance between standardized protocols and local building codes, will be key to ensuring consistent quality and adaptability across all regions.
Fabio Parolini, one of the authors of the report, called BIPV a crucial step towards unlocking their full potential in the global transition to sustainable energy. “The report highlights the urgent need to close regulatory gaps and harmonize standards for building-integrated solar photovoltaics (BIPV),” he added.
The report also describes performance-based methodologies for assessing the mechanical and electrical behavior of BIPV modules and systems, paving the way for more efficient and reliable products.
Elsewhere in the report, IEA-PVPS says significant progress has been made through the BIPVBOOST project, a European initiative that documents state-of-the-art criteria and requirements for BIPV product qualification and proposes initial testing protocols, including operating temperatures and impact resistance testing.
“This proactive approach, which is currently being implemented in ongoing projects, aims to stimulate advancement in BIPV technology by promoting international consensus and facilitating seamless collaboration integration into existing regulatory frameworks, paving the way for a promising future for BIPV,” the article concludes.
The latest report from IEA-PVPS follows recent publications on partially shaded PV generators, global solar energy production And energy hubs for green hydrogen.
This content is copyrighted and may not be reused. If you would like to collaborate with us and reuse some of our content, please contact: editors@pv-magazine.com.